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Is Red larkspur toxic to cats?

Delphinium nudicaule

Toxic to cats

Yes — red larkspur is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. All parts of Delphinium nudicaule contain diterpene alkaloids and are toxic if ingested by dogs, cats, humans, and livestock per ASPCA and USDA Poisonous Plant Research. Symptoms include muscular weakness, convulsions, and respiratory failure. Handle with gloves; keep away from pets and children.

What to do if your cat ate red larkspur

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move red larkspur out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of red larkspur to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten red larkspur, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is red larkspur toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is red larkspur toxic to cats?

Yes — red larkspur is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Delphinium nudicaule contain diterpene alkaloids and are toxic if ingested by dogs, cats, humans, and livestock per ASPCA and USDA Poisonous Plant Research. Symptoms include muscular weakness, convulsions, and respiratory failure. Handle with gloves; keep away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats red larkspur?

All parts of Delphinium nudicaule contain diterpene alkaloids and are toxic if ingested by dogs, cats, humans, and livestock per ASPCA and USDA Poisonous Plant Research. Symptoms include muscular weakness, convulsions, and respiratory failure. Handle with gloves; keep away from pets and children. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to red larkspur.

What should I do if my cat ate red larkspur?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is red larkspur toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Red larkspur is toxic to dogs as well. See the full red larkspur pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to red larkspur?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full red larkspur pet-safety